Tell us about your role within the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC).
Kadi: I am not a Coalition member, but I was nominated to head the Friends of Syria (FoS) platform addressing Economic Recovery and Development. I also lead the Syrian economic delegation in all conferences and meetings with the FoS. I am the president of Syrian Economic Task Force (SETF), which is in charge of publishing the Economic Roadmap for a New Syria.1 In addition, I am the head of the Economic Section at the Syrian Expert House that published the Syria Transition Roadmap. This is an initiative of the Syrian Center for Political and Strategic Studies (SCPSS), a think-tank affiliated with the Syrian opposition.
What is the greatest challenge facing the Syrian economy? Most immediately and in the longer term?
Kadi: Security comes first, and then the challenge of reconstruction and the return of refugees. After close to three years of revolution, it is vital to transition from a militarized society to a civil one. That will take funding, effort, and political will from an incoming technocrat-led transitional government.
What will be the economic policies of the SOC to address Syria’s economic challenges after the conflict?
Kadi: My main recommended economic policies for consideration by a post-conflict transitional government are the following: ■■ Continue paying employee wages in the public sector. ■■ Secure temporary housing for refugees until they can return to their homes. ■■ Provide the basic services of food, clothing, and medical care for all refugees. ■■ Secure protection for basic humanitarian needs and public utilities.
